KR101504463B1 - Fluid dispensing oral care implement - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a fluid dispensing oral care implement having a fluid delivery system. The mechanism includes a storage member for holding the fluid. The channel formed by the at least one wicking or capillary member is elongated through at least a portion of the oral care mechanism to eject fluid (s) through the one or more fluid outlets through capillary action. In one embodiment, the fluid outlet is made of wicking or capillary material and is disposed in the head of the device. In certain embodiments, the device may include a reservoir cap formed specifically with the valve. Various fluids are administered for the benefit of other oral care such as treatment, hygiene and / or gentle breathing, tooth whitening, tooth sensitive response therapy, tartar and / or tartar control, or hot sensation, cold sensation, .

Description

[0001] FLUID DISPENSING ORAL CARE IMPLEMENT [0002]

The present invention relates to an oral care instrument having a capillary delivery system for dispensing fluids.

Oral care instruments, particularly toothbrushes, are typically used to apply toothpaste to areas of the bristles and to brush areas of the oral cavity of, for example, teeth, tongue, and / or gums. Some toothbrushes have fluid storage rooms and systems for dispensing supplemental oral care agents such as whitening agents, freshening agents, and the like. However, there has been a continuing need to improve oral care mechanisms that distribute supplemental oral care agents from the oral care organization.

The present invention relates to an oral care instrument with a capillary evacuation system. Optionally, the oral care implement includes a head having a tooth cleaning element on its first side.

In one embodiment, the oral care implement includes a reservoir containing at least one fluid. Various fluids may be administered for treatment, hygiene and / or other applications such as gentle breathing, tooth whitening, or the generation of a hot sensation, a cold sensation, or a tingling sensation.

In another embodiment, the oral care implement includes a channel that extends through at least a portion of the device to deliver fluid to the one or more outlets. In one embodiment, the outlet is disposed on the second side of the head, generally opposite the first side, including the tooth cleaning element.

In another embodiment, the oral care implement includes a head having a tooth cleaning element, a reservoir for storing fluid, and an overflow chamber. The storage chamber and the overflow chamber may be partitioned. The capillary channels fabricated from fiber materials, ceramics, porous plastics, or combinations thereof are stretched through at least a portion of the apparatus to discharge the fluid to one or more outlets.

In another embodiment, the oral care implement includes a head having a tooth cleaning element, a reservoir containing at least one fluid, a capillary channel extending through at least a portion of the device for discharging fluid to the at least one outlet, and a motion-producing device. In operation, the motion-generating device vibrates a portion of the device, such as a device or head portion. Vibration improves the function of the tooth cleaning element, promotes the discharge of fluid through the capillary channel, and provides an enhanced sensory experience for the user with improved cleaning action.

According to another aspect of the invention, an oral care implement comprises a head having at least one tooth cleaning element, a reservoir for storing fluid, at least one fluid outlet disposed in the head, And includes a channel to which a flow is connected. In a particular embodiment, the channel is a first wicking member formed of wicking material and defining a first flow section, the fluid outlet being a second wicking member formed of a wicking material and defining a second flow section. The second wicking member is fluidly connected to the first wicking member and the fluid flows by capillary action through the first wicking member at a different flow rate than the second wicking member. In certain embodiments, the first and second wicking members are made of different materials having different capillarities.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an oral care instrument comprises a head having at least one tooth cleaning element, a reservoir for storing fluid, at least one fluid outlet disposed in the head, Includes channels to connect. A flow restrictor is disposed between the channel and the storage member such that fluid flows at a reduced flow rate that is less than the flow rate through the storage member. In one embodiment, the flow restrictor is a reduced flow area with a reduced cross-sectional area disposed between the channel and the storage member that can act to lower the flow between the channel and the storage member. In a particular embodiment, the flow restrictor is a notch region or transverse offset formed between the channel and the outlet. The channels and fluid outlets are a single member or separating member and are fluidly connected together.

According to another embodiment, there is provided a fluid dispensing toothbrush comprising: a head having a plurality of tooth cleaning elements and a tissue cleaner; a handle coupled to the head for holding the toothbrush; a storage member disposed in the handle for holding fluid; At least one fluid outlet formed in the head and disposed in the head, and a channel for fluidly connecting the outlet to the outlet. The channel is preferably formed of a wicking material. The fluid flows through the channel to the outlet through which the fluid is dispensed by capillary action.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for dispensing fluid from an oral care device, such as a toothbrush, to a non-limiting substrate. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: at least partially filling a reservoir in the handle of the mouth management device, filling the fluid outlet formed with a wicking material and disposed in the mouth management device with the fluid, Contacting the surface with a fluid outlet, wicking fluid through the capillary outlet; And dispensing the fluid from the capillary outlet to the oral cavity surface.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a fluid dispensing mouth management device comprises a handle for holding a device, a head having at least one tooth cleaning element, a storage member for storing a fluid having an oral care agent, And a channel formed from a wicking material and fluidly connecting the storage member to the outlet. The capillary channel includes means for generating a first flow rate of the fluid.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a fluid dispensing toothbrush includes a head having a tissue cleaner of a plurality of tooth cleaning elements, a handle coupled to the head for holding the toothbrush, a storage member disposed in the handle for storing fluid, At least one fluid outlet formed in the head and disposed in the head, and a channel connecting the outlet to the fluid flow passage. The channel is formed of a wicking material, and the fluid flows by capillary action through the channel to an outlet through which fluid is dispensed therefrom. The toothbrush also includes a check valve disposed in the handle and in fluid communication with the handle and a vent opening disposed in the handle. The check valve acts to introduce external air into the handle through the exhaust port to maintain fluid flow and to prevent vapor lock in the storage chamber when fluid is drawn out of the storage member through the channel. In one embodiment, the toothbrush further includes an end cap disposed at a proximal end of the toothbrush, and the valve is located and positioned in the end cap. In another embodiment, the vent is disposed in the end cap.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a fluid dispensing toothbrush comprises a handle for holding a toothbrush, a head having a plurality of tooth cleaning elements, a storage member for storing the fluid, At least one fluid outlet having a shape, a channel formed of a wicking material and having a channel for fluidly connecting the storage member to the outlet, and a storage cap removably attachable to the toothbrush head. When the storage cap is attached to the toothbrush head, the socket includes a sealing socket formed such that the cap substantially conforms to the shape of the fluid outlet so as to seal the fluid outlet to minimize evaporation loss of at least a partial fluid.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for dispensing fluid from an oral care mechanism is provided. The method comprising: at least partially filling a fluid outlet disposed in the oral care implement with a fluid and formed of a wicking material; Contacting the fluid outlet with a mouth surface of the user; Wicking the fluid through the fluid outlet; Dispensing a fluid from the fluid outlet to the oral surface at a first flow rate; And refilling the fluid outlet from a channel connecting the capillary outlet and a fluid containing storage member, the fluid outlet having a second flow rate less than a first flow rate of fluid dispensed from the fluid outlet, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > fluid. ≪ / RTI >

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an oral care implement according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
2 is a front perspective view of the head of the oral care implement shown in Fig. 1;
3 is a rear perspective view of the head of the oral care implement shown in Fig. 1;
Figs. 4 to 7 are views showing an example of a capillary shape that can be used in the oral care implement; Fig.
8 is a perspective view of a disassembled assembly of an oral care implement along one or more of the embodiments;
9 is an enlarged perspective view of the head of the oral care instrument of Fig. 8;
10 is a plan view of the oral care mechanism of FIG. 8 illustrating a tongue cleaning function; FIG.
11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the head of the oral care implement of Fig. 8 cut along line 4-4 of Fig. 10;
Figure 12 is a top view of the oral care implement of Figure 8 illustrating at least one tooth cleaning structure;
Figure 13 is a perspective view of an oral care implement illustrating an example tooth cleaning element;
Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of a multi-stage capillary fluid distribution system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
15 is a schematic illustration of a multi-stage capillary fluid distribution system of one embodiment of a flow restrictor;
16 is a schematic illustration of a multi-stage capillary fluid distribution system of another embodiment of a flow restrictor;
17 is an enlarged side elevational cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a head of an oral care instrument having a capillary drainage system included in a tissue cleaner;
18 is a rear perspective view of the head of Fig. 17;
19 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a capillary channel comprising concentrically aligned capillaries or wicking members;
20 is a plan view of a fluid dispensing oral care implement according to one embodiment;
21 is a side sectional view thereof;
Figure 22 is an exploded view of the fluid dispensing oral care implement of Figure 20;
23 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an end portion of the oral care implement of Fig. 21;
FIG. 24 is a plan view of an embodiment of a storage cap that can be used to attach to the head of the oral care implement of FIG. 20; FIG.
Figure 25 is a side view of the storage cap in the oral care implement of Figure 23;
26 is a perspective view of only the storage cap of Fig. 23;
Figure 27 is a plan view of the storage cap of Figure 26;
28 is a side view of the storage cap of Fig. 26;

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.

1 schematically illustrates an oral care implement with a handle 1 and a head 2 with one or more oral care elements, such as bristles 6 and / or elastomeric cleaning elements 7. The storage chamber 11 is provided for liquid retention. Fluids are often mostly in the form of liquids, but may be in other forms as long as they can flow, for example, semi-solid, paste, gel, and the like. In certain embodiments, the fluid is or comprises an oral care agent, although the invention is not so limited. The storage chamber 11 may include a liquid storage tank 11a in fluid communication with the discharge section 11b. The channel 14 is generally elongated in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush to discharge fluid from the reservoir 11 to the at least one outlet 15.

On one side, the outlet 15 is arranged on the side of the head 2 which is generally opposite the side with the tooth cleaning elements 6,7. On the other hand, the outlet 15 can be located in the tooth cleaning elements 6,7. Optionally, a plurality of outlets may be provided on both the face of the head with the tooth cleaning element and the opposite face of the face of the head, for example, to eject the same fluid from the common supply or to eject the other fluid from the separation supply.

The capillary action of the channel 14 is used to draw liquid from the reservoir 11 to the outlet 15. The outlet 15 may be formed of a nonwoven pad, thin film, or other structure, such as an orifice through which the fluid passes. Examples of materials that can be used for the outlets include porous plastic and other porous materials such as those described below with reference to channel 14.

The channel 14 generally has a capillary structure and is usually a porous material. Examples of suitable materials include fiber materials, ceramics, and porous plastics, which are available from Porex Technologies of Georgia, Atlanta, USA. One example of a textile material is an acrylic material identified by the type number C10010 manufactured by Teibow Hanbai Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. A mixture of porous and / or fibrous materials may be provided with a distribution of large and small capillaries. The channel may be formed of a plurality of small capillary tubes connected to each other or may be formed of a large capillary tube.

The storage chamber 11 may be formed of any suitable material and may include a reticulated foam that may vary from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. Hydrophobic foams can be used for non-water based liquids. An example of a reticulated foam is Bulpren S90, manufactured by Recticel (Wetteren, Belgium). Bulpren S90 is an open-cell polyurethane foam based on polyester with an average pore size of 90 pores per inch. Hydrophilic foams can be used for water-based liquids. Other examples of materials usable for the storage chamber 11 include ceramics and porous plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the storage chamber is a bonded fiber component obtainable from Filtrona or Porex, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or a copolymer of such polymers with varying ranges of hydrophobicity depending on the combination selected, not limited to a substrate.

Examples of capillary structures that can be used as non-limiting substrates are shown in Figs. 4-7. Capillary device 10 generally has a housing 20 that includes a reservoir 11 for storing fluid 13 and an overflow chamber 25. The storage chamber 11 and the overflow chamber 25 may be separated, for example, into partitions 21, or otherwise separated as described below with reference to FIG. The storage chamber 11 is a component integrated with the housing 20 or a separation element connected to the housing. The inlet 22 allows air to flow freely into and out of the overflow chamber 25.

The partition 21 may include an opening 12 that is closed by a channel 14. The channel 14 is generally extended from the opening 12 to the outlet 15 and is in direct contact with the capillary reservoir 16. The average capillary action of the capillary reservoir 16 is substantially smaller than the average capillary action of the channel 14. [ Although the capillary reservoir is disposed around the circumference of the capillary channel 14, it does not necessarily need to extend around the channel. There is no need to strictly separate the capillary storage part 16 and the channel 14. [

The capillary channel 14 can be press-fit into the opening in the handle 1 or alternatively the handle 1 can be overmolded around the capillary channel 14. In a preferred manufacturing method, the channel 14 is formed separately from the handle and inserted into the handle 1. [ The capillary channel 14 generally provides a unique passage through which the air can enter, or otherwise closes the reservoir 11. The finer capillary of the channel 14 conveys the fluid to the outlet 15. The larger capillary of the channel 14 allows air to enter the storage chamber 11. In general, air can enter through channel 14 at least through a capillary of maximum size.

5, a portion of the fluid 13 in the reservoir 11 is communicated through the opening 12 and the channel 14 to the capillary reservoir 11 when air expansion occurs in the reservoir 11, Normally portions of the fluid 16 will be transferred into normally fluid-free portions. That is, the capillary reservoir 16 receives excess fluid and prevents leakage of uncontrolled fluid from the outlet 15 or from other parts of the apparatus. Excess fluid in the capillary reservoir 16 will return to the reservoir 11 through the channel 14 as the pressure in the reservoir 11 drops. This process is repeated every time the temperature change causes, for example, the variation of the air volume in the storage chamber 11. [ Since the fluid stored in the capillary reservoir 16 always returns to the reservoir 11, the capillary reservoir will not be charged up to capacity when there is air expansion. Also, even though the channel 14 is continuously wetted with fluid at least in the region of the opening 12, air is forced into the reservoir 11 through the fluid 13 Can not be prevented from returning.

Although the outlet 15 is shown in Figures 1, 3, 5 and 6 as a separate element from the channel 14, the outlet 15 may alternatively comprise a channel (not shown), as schematically shown in Figures 4 and 7, 14). ≪ / RTI > When the outlet 15 is formed of a porous material, the pores are generally smaller than that of the channel 14 to ensure that the fluid in the channel 14 flows towards the outlet 15 during dispensing. 4 and 6, the channel 14 may be formed such that the fluid extends into the region 19 near the reservoir portion 18. In this type of configuration, the capillary reservoir and the capillary channel 14 are generally surrounded by the tube 24. The tube 24 provides additional protection against erroneous leakage.

In the configuration shown in Figure 4, the capillary reservoir 16 and the capillary channel 14 are separate components, and the channel 14 extends into the base region 19. 6, a mixture of porous materials with the required combination of capillary sizes forms a single capillary reservoir 16 and a channel 14.

In the configuration shown in Fig. 5, the channel 14 and the capillary reservoir 16 form a single component similar to that shown in Fig. The integral portion of the channel and the rear portion 140 of the capillary reservoir are inclined to be received in the opening 12. This portion of the combined channel / reservoir is pinch together into the aperture in a confined manner so as to ensure that there is a sufficient amount of fine fluid exit capillary in the aperture 12. The rear portion 140 may also be provided as a separate element connected to the capillary reservoir.

7, the capillary channel 14 'may be configured to include a radially extending portion that separates the reservoir 11 from the overflow chamber 25, as shown, for example. The channel 14 'and the radially extending portion fill the opening between the storage chamber 11 and the overflow chamber 25. The pores of the radially extending portion are generally similar to the pores of the channel 14 'and pass air but block the flow of fluid. As a result, the radially extending portion can be used to regulate air flow into the channel 14 '.

In another aspect, a vibrating device may be provided for vibrating a portion of the toothbrush, such as a toothbrush or head 2 or a portion thereof. The vibration-generating device may be used to facilitate the evacuation of fluid (s) through the capillary channel 14 to vibrate the tooth cleaning elements 6, 7 and / or soft tissue cleaning elements while at the same time providing improved cleaning action.

Various vibrating devices can be used to generate vibrations over a wide range of frequencies to meet the needs of particular applications. Various types of vibration devices can be used commercially, for example, as transducers. One example of a vibrating device provides a frequency in the range of about 100 to 350 kHz. The vibration frequency may be other waveforms including sinusoidal waves, square waves, sawtooths, and the like. However, other values and waveforms are possible. The vibrating device may be disposed at the head or neck of the toothbrush. In operation, the vibrating device is driven by the battery (and is controlled by an electronic or switching system on the circuit board) to cause vibrations in the toothbrush head, thereby improving the tooth cleaning action imparted by the tooth cleaning element. In another embodiment, the vibrating device includes a micromotor attached to a shaft and has an axis connected to an eccentric that rotates about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush. In another embodiment, the vibration-generating device includes an eccentricity driven by a micromotor in a translatory manner.

Switches such as buttons, toggle switches, and rotary dials are provided to operate the vibrating device. Vibrating devices often have a battery and the like as a power source. The switch may cause the vibration generator to operate a timing circuit that allows the user to operate for a limited amount of time (e.g., during the time that the button is pressed or the switch is in the engaged position), or alternatively the vibrator may operate for a predetermined period of time have. If a timing circuit is used, the associated interval can be preset or adjusted, for example, with a user-operated rotary dial.

A further embodiment of the present invention includes a configuration comprised of a vibrating device (s), a bristle (or other tooth cleaning element), and other components, which are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20050091769A1, Filed on January 30, 2004, entitled "Toothbrush with Improved Cleansing Effect ". For example, the neck portion of the toothbrush may be provided with a neck section made of a material that is elastically relatively compliant to increase the elasticity of the neck portion. This causes the head to be resiliently biased during use of the toothbrush when force is applied in the direction of the toothbrush surface. Alternatively, the neck section may be designed with a notch extending beyond the periphery of the neck and filled with an elastically compliant material (e.g., with a thermoplastic elastomer).

The outlet 15 can be made of an elastomeric material, for example, to provide a tissue cleaner that can be used to clean the tongue, cheeks, lips, and / or gums. Tissue cleaners may utilize a variety of biocompatible elastomeric materials, such as elastomeric materials. To provide optimal comfort in addition to the cleaning function, the elastomeric material has a hardness in the range of A8 to A25 Shore hardness, such as styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) available from GLS Corporation

The tissue cleaner may be formed of various tissue engaging elements that may be formed of nubs. As used herein, the term "nub" generally includes column-like protrusions (without limitation on the cross-sectional shape of the protrusions) erected from the base surface. In general, the nub can have a height greater than its width at the base of the nub as measured in the longest direction. The nub also includes protrusions, the width and height being approximately the same, or the height being somewhat less than the base width.

Such organizational engagement elements can help reduce the primary source of halitosis and improve hygiene. The nub allows removal of microflora and other debris from the tongue and other soft tissue surfaces in the mouth. In particular, the tongue is likely to develop a bacterial coating known as a hide for organisms and debris that can cause bad breath. This microorganism is found along the recesses and other soft tissue planes in the mouth between the papillae on most of the upper surface of the tongue. For example, the nubs of the elastomeric tissue cleaner can reach down into the recesses of adjacent protrusions of the tongue, while providing a smooth engagement with the soft tissue, when engaged or otherwise pulled against the surface of the tongue. The resilient structure of the tissue cleaner can also cause the donor surface to follow the natural contour of the oral tissue surface, such as the user's tongue, cheeks, lips, and gums. The flexible nubes also have the necessary flexibility in cleaning the nubs across the soft tissue surface of the mouth while moving.

A nub is a general conical shape, such as a cone-like other shape, whether the shape is a perfect cone, a truncated conical element, and whether it is narrowly inclined and constant, inclined or continuous, or whether it has a round cross- . The small width or diameter of the tip in conjunction with the length of the conical nub allows the nubs to sweep the tongue and other recesses to clean the microbial target and other debris from the soft tissue surface. The nubes can also be flexed and bent from their respective vertical axes when subjected to transverse pressure during use. This flexibility improves the stability of the soft tissue surface and the cleaning action. Alternatively, the tissue cleaning element may have a different shape.

The fluid may be contained in the sealed storage chamber 11 in the course of manufacturing the toothbrush, in which case the toothbrush may be discarded after the supply of fluid has been exhausted. Alternatively, the reservoir 11 may be refilled via an inlet (not shown) and / or may be replaced by inserting a replacement cartridge within the recess of the toothbrush, for example. The cartridge may be spring-loaded in place after insertion and may be sealed to prevent undesired leakage of fluid.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the toothbrush may include a storage zone B interconnected with the bristle section A in a manner such as, for example, a threaded engagement, a snap-fit. The storage zone B may be, for example, an interchange zone with another storage zone B having disposable, rechargeable and / or other fluids.

Optionally, a user-operated switch, such as a dial (not shown), may take a number of setting settings to select one or more of the fluids. For example, the dial may have a first setting for oxidizer / whitening treatment, a second setting for a cool breathing treatment, and a third setting for antibacterial treatment. The toothbrush may be provided in the form of a kit comprising a bristle section (A) of a toothbrush or toothbrush, and one or more cartridges or reservoirs (B) having fluid. Several cartridges can be supplied for different fluids or alternate supplies of the same fluids.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a toothbrush with a head 2, bristles 6, and a handle 1. Fig. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular structure, as an optional bristle structure and handle structure may be used.

The toothbrush is used to wipe the teeth or gums using the bristles 6 and / or other tooth cleaning elements and / or to massage the tongue, gums, or other areas of the mouth with a tissue cleaner. The fluid may be delivered through one or more outlets provided at or near the tooth cleaning element and / or within the tissue cleaner and / or at other locations on the toothbrush. Depending on the type of fluid used and the position of the outlet (s), the fluid may be administered before, during, or after brushing.

Non-limiting examples of fluid or oral care agents that may be used include antimicrobial agents, whitening agents, anti-sensitivity agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-adhesion agents, plug indicator agents, flavorants, sensates, and colorants. Examples of these agents include metal ion agonists (e.g., tin ion agonists, copper ion agonists, zinc ion agonists, silver ion agonists) triclosan; But are not limited to, triclosan monophosphate, chlorhexidine, alexidine, hexetidine, sanguinarine, benzalkonium chloride, silicilanilide, domiphen bromide, cetylpyridinium chloride, tetradecylpyridinium chloride, Fulvic acid, vitamins, hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxides, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (TDEPC), octenidine, delphinol, octapineol, nisin, essential oil, furanone, bacteriocin, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpyrrolidone, PVP-H ₂ O ₂ , polymer binding peroxides, potassium nitrate, Carbohydrates, cargoes, dental management agents, anti-stain ingredients, phosphates, polyvinylphosphonic acid, PVM / MA copolymers, enzymes, glucose oxidase, papain, picin, ethyloyl arginine salts, Sisapras oil, clove oil, sage oil, eucalyptus oil, marjoram oil, cinnamon oil, cinnamon oil, cinnamon oil, cinnamon oil, cinnamon oil, Lemon oil, lime oil, grapefruit oil, and / or orange oil.

The fluid or oral care agent and / or its medium may be selected, for example, to supplement the formula of the toothpaste by adjusting flavor, color, aesthetics, or active ingredients. The fragrance can be administered to cause a gradual change in incense during brushing that can not be done with the current toothpaste alone.

The fluid may be compatible with toothpaste, or may be unstable and / or reactive to typical toothpaste ingredients. The fluid may also be a tooth cleaning agent that enhances the overall efficiency of brushing.

Oral administration agents may be provided, for example, in the form of an aqueous solution or as a suitable vehicle in the form of a gel or paste. Non-limiting substrates of the carrier include, for example, water, monohydric alcohols such as ethanol, polyethylene glycols such as PEG 2M, 5M, 7M, 14M, 23M, 45M, and 90M available from Union Carbide Poly (ethylene oxide), such as < RTI ID = 0.0 > Carboxymethylene polymers such as Carbopol (R) 934 and 974 available from B.F. Goodrich, and combinations thereof. For those skilled in the art, the selection of a suitable carrier will be facilitated by factors of the desired nature of the medium, such as the nature and viscosity of the oral care agent. Examples of tooth whitening compositions are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,770,266 and 6,669,930, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The storage compartment 11 can retain the amount of oral care agent media according to a single use or a small number of uses and can facilitate repeated use over extended periods of time, for example months or years have. The size of the storage chamber 11 may be selected to be compatible with factors such as the desired overall size of the toothbrush as well as the stability of the oral care agent and the amount of media delivered during each application.

The supply of the oral care agent of the reservoir 11 is generally free from ingredients that are incompatible with the oral care agent such as toothpaste ingredients that are incompatible as previously identified and / or with the medium containing the oral care agent, It is virtually free.

Alternatively, the toothbrush may be provided with a compartment and / or an access panel for accessing various components such as a power source and a storage compartment. The power source may be, for example, a replaceable or rechargeable battery, as is known.

Figures 8-13 illustrate oral care devices such as the tongue, the cheek inner surface, the soft tissue in the mouth such as the lips or gums and the tooth 105 with the handle 105 used to clean the tooth and the toothbrush 100 with the handle 103 FIG. The handle 103 is provided to allow the user to easily grasp and operate the toothbrush, and can be formed in various shapes and structures. The head is usually wider with respect to the neck of the handle, but in certain configurations it can be formed as a continuous stretch of a simple handle or narrower. The head 105 has a first side 106 supporting the tooth cleaning element 107 (Figures 12 and 13) and a second side 108 supporting the tissue cleaner 300 (Figures 9 and 10) , Which may have one or more outlets for dispensing fluid (s) as described above. The first and second surfaces 106 and 108 may be disposed on opposite sides of the head 105. However, the tissue cleaner 300 may be disposed elsewhere, such as the proximal end 104 of the handle 103. The tissue cleaner 300 or portions thereof may also be located on the peripheral sidewall surface 101 of the head 105 or may extend further than illustrated toward the proximal end 104 of the handle 103. [

The tissue cleaner 300 can be formed with many tissue engaging elements 303 that can be formed as nubs (Figures 8-12).

9 and 11, the nubs 303 may be formed in a conical shape. 11, the base portion 305 of each tissue engaging element 303 formed in a cone shape may be larger than the corresponding distal end portion 307. [ In this conically shaped configuration, the base portion 305 has a wide cross-sectional area so as to withstand the lateral movement of the tissue cleaner 300 along the surface of the tongue or other soft tissue surface, exhibiting effective shear strength.

As shown in Fig. 10, the nubs 303 may be arranged in a longitudinal row generally in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis a-a. The nubs 303 are also arranged in the transverse rows R1, R2 on an axis parallel to the base surface 301 and generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis a-a. Adjacent nubs 303 may be provided staggered on the base surface 301. For example, adjacent transverse rows R1, R2 of the nubs may have nubs 303 that are not directly behind one another. The first nub is herein referred to as being "immediately behind" the second nub when positioned within the longitudinal boundary of the second nub extending in the longitudinal direction. This shape promotes the removal of microflora and other debris, facilitating the removal of the adjacent protrusions of the tongue, in particular from the recesses, thereby enabling improved cleaning of the soft tissue surface. However, the nubs can be arranged in an arbitrary or a myriad of different patterns.

The tongue cleaner 300 can be formed by molding in the head 105, but it can also be formed using other manufacturing processes. 8 and 11, the tissue cleaner 300 can be molded in the receiving cavity 111 or in the basin of the face 108 of the head 105. [ The receiving cavity 111 has a lower base surface 113 and a peripheral side wall 115 extending in a direction away from the lower base surface 113. In one mounting arrangement, the nubs 303 of the tissue cleaner 300 are exposed for use with the base surface of the same planar or concave tissue cleaner 300 relative to the surface 114 of the head. However, it may be done in a different direction. In addition, the base surface 301 of the tissue cleaner may be covered by another layer having nubs 303 embedded in the head 105 or projecting through a suitable opening.

As shown in Figs. 8 and 11, the surface 108 may also include one or more peg members 117a-c disposed within the head 111. The peg member 117 forms an anchor point with respect to the opposite mold to prevent the head from moving due to the pressure of the injection molding. As a result, tissue cleaner 300 may include one or more fill holes 311a-c exposing the top of peg members 117a-c. Although the peg is illustrated as being aligned along the centerline of the head (e.g., longitudinal axis a-a), the peg can take many different positions. Also, both the peg and the head can be included in the head 105, and they can be used without having the other.

Alternatively, the head 111 and the peg members 117a-c may be provided for placement and maintenance of the previously formed tissue cleaner, even though these structures do not require the use of previously formed tissue cleaners.

The peg members 117a-c can take various shapes and lengths. 8 and 11, the head 105 includes peg members 117a-c extending in the direction away from the lower base surface 113 of the head 111 in the height direction of the peripheral side wall 115, . The peg members 117a-c are formed in a cylindrical shape, but other shapes and lengths of the peg members 117a-c are also possible. Although a molding process may be used to bond the tissue cleaner to the head, a tissue cleaner may be preformed and attached by adhesive or other known means.

As shown in Figures 8-11, the tissue cleaner 300 is formed of a pad made of a soft and flexible elastomeric material, in addition to the dispensing of fluid (s) as described above, in addition to stable cleaning and cleaning of the tongue surface, Effective removal of bacteria and debris placed along other soft tissues and lips is also possible. Tissue cleaner 300 may also provide effective massage, irritation, and removal of epithelial cells from bacteria, debris and tongue, cheeks, gums, or lips.

12 and 13, the tooth cleaning element 107 of the head 105 includes a variety of tooth cleaning elements that can be used to wipe, clean, and massage the user's teeth and gums. do. Any suitable form of tooth cleaning element is used. The expression "tooth cleaning element" is used in a generic sense to refer to a filament bristle or elastomer finger having any desired shape. 12, the tooth cleaning element 107 includes a distal tooth cleaning element 203a-b, a circumferential tooth cleaning element 205a-i, and a longitudinal axis aa disposed at the distal end portion 121 of the head Include longitudinal tooth cleaning elements 207a-c, arcuate tooth cleaning elements 209a-d and 211a-b, and proximal cleaning elements 213a and 213b. The tooth cleaning elements 205, 207, 211, 213 are provided as tufts of bristles, while the tooth cleaning elements 209 are formed as an elastomeric wall. However, other types and types of tooth cleaning elements may be used.

According to another embodiment, the wicking system outlet 15 may be included in a tissue cleaner such as the tissue cleaner 300 shown in Figs. 8-11. Instead of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 3, only the fluid outlet 15 is located on the opposite side of the toothbrush head 2 from the tooth cleaning element and an outlet 15 is provided for distributing the fluid from the toothbrush to the user's oral cavity. Exposed and / or elongated through holes of various shapes in the cleaner. Figures 17 and 18 illustrate one embodiment of such a tissue cleaner comprising at least one capillary outlet 15.

17 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a toothbrush head 2 formed similarly to the toothbrush head shown in Figs. 1-3. 18 is a rear perspective view of the toothbrush head shown in Fig.

17 and 18, the head 2 of the toothbrush 1 is positioned on the side opposite to the tooth cleaning element, such as the bristles 6 and / or the elastomeric element 7, as shown in one embodiment. And a tissue cleaner 500 disposed on the head side of the tissue cleaner 500. Tissue cleaner 500 is generally similar to tissue cleaner 300 and includes a plurality of nubs 303 similar to those shown in Figures 8-11 (but omitted for clarity in Figures 17 and 18) And / or other protruding tissue cleaning protrusions or texture surfaces. The capillary outlet / fluid outlet 15 is disposed under at least a portion of the tissue cleaner 500 in the preferred embodiment. At least one, preferably a plurality of holes 501 are formed in the tissue cleaner 500 and the outlet extension 502 is connected to the outlet 15 in the direction transverse to the head and longitudinal axis of the toothbrush 1 And extends outwardly from the toothbrush head 2. [ The outlet extension 502 is in fluid communication with the capillary outlet 15 and is made of the same or a different capillary material as the outlet 15. The outlet extension 502 is integrally formed with the outlet 15 or structurally separated and attached to the outlet 15 by suitable means used in the art.

The free end 504 of the outlet extension 502 may be coplanar with the exposed surface 503 of the tissue cleaner 500 in certain embodiments or may be located in the same plane as the elongate portion 502 Projects outwardly over the surface 403 of the tissue cleaner 500 to further enhance the ability of the active oral agent to escape through contact and capillary action with the oral surface and outlet extension. The height of the exit extension 502 measured from the face 503 of the tissue cleaner 500 to the free end 504 of the stretch 502 is determined by the height of any tissue wash protrusions provided in the tissue cleaner 500 May be less than, equal to or greater than, e.g., the nub 303 shown. In certain embodiments, the outlet extensions may have varying heights, and need not all be the same height.

17 and 18, the outlet extension 502 (and the corresponding hole 501 of the tissue cleaner 500) is formed into a rectangular strip that extends laterally for illustrative purposes do. However, outlet extension 502 may have any suitable shape, or it may be a combination of other shapes including circular, elliptical, polygonal, or other shapes with non-limiting substrates. In addition, the number of the outlet extension portions 502 is provided in an arbitrary number, and the outlet extension portions 502 can be disposed at arbitrary positions of the tissue cleaner 500. Therefore, the present invention is not limited by the shape, number, or position of the outlet extension portion 502.

Figures 20-23 illustrate another embodiment of an oral care device in the form of a fluid dispensing toothbrush 600 that is configured to dispense fluids embedded in the toothbrush head in a manner similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 17 and 18, Outlet < / RTI > The toothbrush 600 and fluid outlet 15 may additionally be formed slightly differently as described below.

20 and 21, a toothbrush 600 includes a head 601, an adjacent neck 651 that supports the head, and a proximal portion 652 that supports the neck 651 and defines an abutment And includes a handle 602. The toothbrush 600 further includes a distal end 606 defined by the head 601 and a proximal proximal end 607 defined by the handle 602 and the opposite end 606 and two laterally offset, Side < / RTI > The head 601 preferably includes a plurality of tooth cleaning elements 603 and a soft tissue cleaner 700 and in one embodiment they are positioned on the front side 605 which supports the tooth cleaning element 603, Side < / RTI > The tooth cleaning element 603 can be used to clean a variety of teeth that can be used to wash, clean, and massage a user ' s teeth and gums, such as in the particular embodiment shown and described in Figures 12 and 13, Element. In a particular embodiment, the tissue cleaner 700 is formed similar to the cleaner 300 shown in Figures 8-11 and described herein. Preferably, the tissue cleaner 700 includes a plurality of protruding nubs 303 and / or a projection or texturing surface for cleaning other protruding tissue used to clean the soft tissue of the oral cavity, similar to that shown in Figs. 8-11. .

Referring to Figures 20-23, the handle 602 of the toothbrush 600 defines a cavity 813 extending in the longitudinal direction. The toothbrush 600 includes a fluid dispensing / draining system that includes a fluid outlet 615, a channel 14 and a storage member 16 (also referred to herein as "capillary reservoir" for short) . The storage member 16 is a elongate, elongated capillary channel in fluid communication with the channel 14 and the outlet 15 in the head 601 of the toothbrush 600 in a manner similar to that described above in the specific embodiment . The storage member 16 is preferably disposed at least partially in the cavity 813 as shown. The outlet 15, channel 14, and storage member 16 may be formed of any suitable wicking or capillary material; Non-limiting substrates include fiber materials, ceramics, and porous plastics, which are available from Porex Technologies of Atlanta, Ga., USA. One example of a porous fiber material is an acrylic material identified by the type number C10010 available from Teibow Hanbai Co., Tokyo, Japan. Mixtures of porous and / or fibrous materials may be provided having a distribution of large and small capillaries. The channels may be formed from a plurality of small capillaries connected to each other or a single capillary tube.

The storage member 16 may further comprise a reticulated foam that is formed of any suitable material and ranges from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. Hydrophobic foams can be used for non-water based liquids. An example of a reticulated foam is Bulpren S90, manufactured by Recticel (Veteran, Belgium). Bulpren S90 is an open-cell polyurethane foam based on an average of 90 pores per square inch polyester. Hydrophilic foams can be used for water based liquids. Other examples of materials usable for the storage chamber 11 include ceramics and porous plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the storage compartment is a compatible conjugated fiber component commercially available from Filtrona or Porex, for example, a non-limiting substrate such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or copolymers of such polymers in the hydrophobic variable range, to be ..

At least a portion of the handle 602 may be made of a transparent or opaque material so that the user can see the amount of fluid in the storage member 16. [ This allows the user to visually see the amount of fluid remaining in the toothbrush 600.

In a particular embodiment, the storage member 16, channel 14 and outlet 15 form a component of a multi-stage capillary fluid distribution / delivery system, an embodiment of which has been described elsewhere herein, 16 and 19 and regulates the amount of fluid exiting the toothbrush 600 to the user. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 20 and 21, a flow restrictor 609, which is constructed, for example, similar to the operational concept for the flow restrictor 150 shown in Fig. 16, is provided between the channel 14 and the storage member 16 Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > a < / RTI > This results in a flow rate of the other fluid 13 passing through each of the channel 14 and the storage member 16. In this embodiment, the channel 14 and the storage member 16 are wicking structures that are brought together or otherwise connected together in contact with each other and form a continuous flow path in a single structure, 16 having a diameter 610 that is smaller than the diameter 611 of the flow passage 611. If the fluid is reduced while the channel 14 is using the toothbrush 600 and the discharge from the toothbrush 600 is reduced, then the fluid in the channel 14 is present in the presence of a flow restrictor 609 between the two fluid- Will be supplemented with a slow flow rate from the adjacent reservoir 16. In another embodiment, the different flow rates between the channel 14, the storage member 16, and the outlet 15 may be varied depending on the selected material, as described further with reference to Figure 14, And the like. 17, a different flow rate is created between the fluid outlet 15 and the channel 14 by contact of the reduced cross-sectional surface between the fluid outlet 15 and the channel 14. In other embodiments, Lt; / RTI > As shown, this can be caused by vertical and / or lateral offset 617 engagement between the fluid outlet 615 and the channel 14, where each element is brought into mutual contact. It will be appreciated that a method as described further herein to control flow through the multistage capillary fluid ejection system may be used as further described below.

The optional multistage capillary fluid dispensing / draining device shown in Figs. 14-16 and 19 for adjusting the flow described further below may be used to dispense fluid from the channel 14, the capillary storage member 16, the fluid outlet 615, Or such flow regulating means may be formed at the fluidic intersections between these members. Accordingly, various possible variations are contemplated based on the multistage capillary fluid dispensing / dispensing apparatus and method described herein.

Referring again to Figures 20, 21, and 23, the fluid outlet 615 is similar to that disposed in the interior cavity or space described in detail herein and formed in the toothbrush 600 for dispensing fluid 13 to a user. will be. In this embodiment, the fluid outlet 615 extends toward the neck 651 and partially toward the head 601. Fluid outlet 615 is in fluid communication with channel 14 and is formed as an integral single portion of the same capillary channel structure as shown in the specific embodiment. At least one hole 612 is formed through the rear side 604 in the toothbrush head 601 through which the outlet extension portion 613 extends through the fluid outlet generally in the transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the head and the toothbrush 600, (615) and the toothbrush head (2). Thus outlet extension portion 613 is in fluid communication with fluid outlet 615 and may be made of the same or different capillary material as outlet 15. The outlet extension 613 is integrally formed with the outlet 15 or is structurally and detachably attached to the outlet 15 by any suitable conventional means used in the art to which the present invention pertains.

In one embodiment, as shown in Figs. 20 and 21, the outlet extension portion 613 and the corresponding hole 612 are arranged in alignment with the axis in the longitudinal direction of the toothbrush 600, do. In one example configuration, the outlet extension 613 extends into the distal end 606 of the toothbrush head 601 in a rearward direction toward the proximal end 607 at a distance that covers most of the axial length of the head 601, . In the illustrated embodiment, outlet extension 613 is preferably embedded within tissue cleaner 700. This arrangement preferably allows the user to dispense the fluid 13 simultaneously while using the tissue cleaner 700. The outlet extension 613 is stimulated as the user rubs the kidneys over the tissue cleaner and soft oral tissues to actuate the flow of fluid 13 from the toothbrush head 601 to dispense the provided fluid.

The fluid outlet extension 613 may be of any suitable shape or may comprise a combination of other shapes, including linear, straight, circular, elliptical, polygonal, or other shapes, without limitation to a substrate. In addition, the outlet extension 613 may be provided in any number and disposed at any location on the back side 604 of the toothbrush head 601. Therefore, the present invention is not limited by the shape, number, or location of the outlet extension portion 613.

20 and 21, the free end 614 of the outlet extension 613 may be substantially the same height as the exterior exposed surface of the tissue cleaner 700 in certain embodiments, or in other embodiments, The portion 613 may protrude outwardly over the surface of the tissue cleaner 700 to further improve the contact between the oral cavity surface and the outlet extension and the release of the active oral agent through capillary action. The height of the outlet extension 613 measured from the exposed outer surface of the tissue cleaner 700 to the free end 614 is greater than the height of all the tissue cleaning protrusions provided on the tissue cleaner 700 (303)]. In a particular embodiment, the outlet extension 613 may vary the height along its length, and the heights from end to end need not be all the same or uniform.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. The outlet extension 613 has a side width that is generally coextensive with the width of the fluid outlet 615 disposed in the toothbrush head 601. In another embodiment, the outlet extension 613 is variable in width and is formed to be larger or smaller than the fluid outlet 615 to which the fluid is connected.

21, the fluid flows through the capillary action from the storage member 16 (which is kept wet by the internal fluid and acts as an inlet fluid flow tube), and then flows into the channel 14 And then flows to fluid outlet 15 and outlet extension 613 from which fluid is dispensed from the toothbrush 600 to the user (see fluid flow direction arrow). As discussed above, contact between the oral surface and outlet extension 613 activates and stimulates the flow of fluid 13 by wicking or capillary action through the fluid outlet system components described above.

20-22, an embodiment of the toothbrush 600 additionally includes an end cap 800 disposed at a proximal end 607 of the handle 602. As shown in FIG. The end cap 800 in one embodiment includes a toothbrush handle plug 801 that closes the proximal end 607 of the handle 602 as best viewed in Figure 22 which shows an enlarged cross section of the end cap And a valve plug 802 fixed to the handle plug. The handle plug 801 is removably or permanently attached to the vicinity of the base of the handle 602 through at least one annular locking recess 803 and the recess is formed in the handle 602 as shown in Figures 20 and 21, 602 engage with corresponding, complementary, cooperating, annular locking ribs 804 disposed in the flexible locking portion 805. In this manner, In one embodiment, the flexible locking portion 805 is defined by a reduced diameter and thickness section of the handle 602 that extends from the main surface 806 of the handle to a corresponding locking portion 807 of the handle plug 801 ). The groove 803 and the rib 804 form a mechanical snap-lock mechanism for fixing the knob plug 801 and thereby for securing the end cap 800 to the knob 602 in turn.

The valve plug 802 is removably or permanently fixed to the toothbrush handle plug 801 in a manner similar to at least one annular locking rib 824 disposed in the handle plug, Engages a corresponding annular locking recess 825 formed in the valve plug as shown in FIG. The annular locking rib 824 is preferably disposed in the radial flexible locking portion 826 of the pull plug 801, which is shaped similar to the radially flexible locking portion 805 of the handle 602 described above.

The locking recesses 803 and 825 described above are reversely disposed on each toothbrush handle 602 and the knob plug 801 with the locking ribs 804 and 824 being reversely engaged with the handle plug 801 and the valve plug 801, (802), or a combination of the above arrangements may be used.

20-23, a check valve 820 and an exhaust port 821 are provided on the handle 602 to provide a calibrated air pressure to the user to distribute the optimal fluid dose to the user. 813). The check valve 820 operates to allow air to enter the cavity 813 through the vent 821 in the valve plug 802 and preferably maintains the reservoir at about atmospheric pressure or atmospheric pressure. When the fluid is dispensed from the toothbrush 600, the fluid retained in the storage member 16 is withdrawn and partially reduced to create a temporary vacuum. The vent 821 causes air to push out and into the reduced pressure environment in the cavity 813 behind the fluid flow portion to balance the temporary pressure drop thereon so that the fluid continues to flow at a predetermined desired flow rate or near the wicking system (Refer to the air flow arrow direction in Fig. 22). At the same time, the check valve 820 operates so that the fluid 13 does not leak out from the cavity 813 through the exhaust port 821 when the check valve does not let air into the storage chamber 11. Accordingly, the check valve 820 has an inlet that communicates with the exhaust port 821 and operates to allow fluid flow only in one direction (i.e., toward the storage chamber).

20 to 23, the check valve 820 is fixed to the valve plug 802 by the annular valve seat 822 defined by the valve plug 802. [ The toothbrush handle plug 801 defines an annular surface 822 which is adapted to trap a valve in the valve seat 822 when the valve plug 802 is attached to the handle plug (Not shown). In one embodiment, the check valve 820 includes an elastomeric valve (not shown), such as a "duck bill" type valve as shown, having two flexible flap portions 827 engaged to engage each other, to be. Other suitable elastomers or generic spring loaded check valves well known to those skilled in the art may be used. Thus, the present invention does not limit the use of any special type of check valve, as long as the air can enter into the reservoir 11 and prevent the fluid 13 from leaking through the vent 821.

The end cap 800 is preferably made of a conventional plastic material used in the art, more preferably made of a relatively hard plastic. In another embodiment, the cap 900 may optionally be made of a resilient material of suitable flexibility. Toothbrush handle plug 801 and valve plug 802 may be made of the same or different materials in various embodiments, either of which are made of hard plastic or a flexible elastomeric material. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, the handle plug 801 and the valve plug 802 may be made of polypropylene.

Referring to Figures 24 to 28, the toothbrush 600 further includes a storage cap 900 adapted to be removably secured to the toothbrush head 601. The reservoir cap 900 is at least partially sealed to reduce / minimize the evaporation loss of fluid from the exposed portion of the fluid outlet 615, such as the outlet elongation portion 501 or 613 described above. Thus, in one preferred embodiment, the storage cap 900 generally conforms to the shape of the toothbrush head 601 as shown. The storage cap 900 includes a longitudinally extending body 901 defining a sealing socket 902 which is complementarily formed and in this embodiment also shown in Figures 20 and 21 And the outlet extension portion 613 is accommodated in the outlet extension portion 613. In one embodiment, the sealing socket 902 is axially elongated and generally channels are formed. The sockets 902 have raised sidewalls 903 that conform to the shape of the outlet elongate portion 613 and are at least partially integral with the exposed circumferential surface 650 of the rear side 604 of the toothbrush head 601, And preferably completely surrounds the outlet extension 613 when the cap is completely disposed in the toothbrush head 601. The outlet extension 613 may be formed in any suitable manner. The circumferential surface 650 is provided between the outlet elongation portion 613 and the tissue cleaner 700 to receive and engage the lifting wall 903 of the socket 902 in particular to form a main seal therebetween to provide an exit elongation Thereby minimizing the loss of evaporative fluid from the portion 613. The storage cap 900 preferably has an open bottom portion 912 defined between the transverse cap sidewalls 904 that can extend therethrough when the tooth cleaning element 603 is disposed in the toothbrush head 601.

23 to 27, the sealing socket 902 has an axis or longitudinal length that is coextensive with the length of the outlet extension portion 613. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing socket 902 also includes an angled distal wall 913, which is angled in a direction toward the bottom 912 of the storage cap 900, And conforms to the shape of the most distal end portion of the distal end portion 613 to cover the distal end portion. The sealing socket 902 preferably further conforms to the shape of the distal end portion near the base of the outlet extension portion 613 and further includes a base end wall 914 near the base. The distal end and proximal end walls 913 and 914 of the socket 902 provide the complete sealing action of the outlet extension 613 to retain the fluid dispensed by the toothbrush 600 Thereby minimizing the loss of fluid due to evaporation.

23-27, the storage cap 900 further includes a pair of opposed lateral sidewalls 904 and a lateral end wall 910 thereof, Preferably substantially conforms to the shape of the toothbrush head 601. The sidewall 904 and the end wall 910 are at least partially engaged with a portion of the side surface 608 of the toothbrush head 601 such that when the main socket seal is incomplete or slightly open, 613 to provide an auxiliary seal between the storage cap 900 and the toothbrush head.

The storage cap 900 additionally includes means for temporarily releasably securing the cap to the toothbrush head 601. 23-27, the securing means comprises a distal hook 905 formed in the distal wall 910 of the cap 900, and the distal wall 910, Is formed to engage a complementary undercut (908) formed in the distal end (606) of the toothbrush head (601). This fixes the distal end of the storage cap 900 to the toothbrush head 601. In a particular embodiment, the fastening means further comprises a pair of laterally spaced latching tabs 906 disposed in the proximal portion of the storage cap 900. The latching tab is formed to engage a pair of complementary cutouts 909 formed on a portion of the toothbrush neck 651. The proximal end 907 of the storage cap 900 is preferably open to receive a portion of the neck 651 therethrough as shown.

The storage cap 900 is preferably made of conventional plastic materials used by those skilled in the art, and more preferably made of relatively hard plastic. In another embodiment, the cap 900 may alternatively be made of a suitable flexible elastomeric material.

Multistage capillary flow discharge system

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a multistage capillary or wicking fluid discharge system for regulating the dispensing flow rate of a fluid and / or oral care agent to a user. In certain embodiments, such as those discussed above with respect to Figures 4-7, the adjustment of the proper dosage and discharge of fluid from the oral care mechanism to the user primarily depends on the exposure time and the wicking rate through the capillary channel (s) . If the user is exposed to teeth and / or oral soft tissues in this manner (e.g., open or closed lips, fast or slow brushing strokes, high or low pressure between the bristle / tongue cleaner and teeth and / (I. E., The tongue, the gums, the inside of the mouth, etc.) are not all cleaned or cleaned, this can result in various dispensing volumes and precise fluid dosing.

Capillary or wicking systems already known in the non-oral field have focused primarily on applications where stable, continuous flow is desirable. For example, in writing and highlighter marker applications, the ideal article discharge is a stable, continuous flow that does not weaken during use. In certain situations, this type of continuous flow would be desirable in some oral care applications. However, in the case of involving frequent brushing / cleaning operations, or where very precisely controlled oral care agents are released to the user, the use of oral care agents to prevent over-dose or overdose of oral care agents It would be desirable to adjust the flow very precisely.

The multistage capillary or wicking fluid ejection system described below provides a non-continuous dispensing system that blocks the user from another continuous capillary winking action of the active agent-containing fluid to provide the user with precise control over the dosage and rate of fluid delivery. The multistage capillary fluid drainage system additionally reduces or eliminates variations in the rate of agent release based on the user ' s brushing or cleaning habits.

Figure 14 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a multi-stage capillary fluid distribution system in accordance with the present invention. The system includes a capillary device 100 having a channel 14 in direct or indirect fluid communication with a fluid storage chamber 11 that holds a fluid 13 containing an oral care agent. The reservoir 11 is here in fluid communication with the channel 14 and includes a capillary reservoir, such as the capillary reservoir 16 shown in Figs. 4-7. The channel 14 is preferably formed with a first wicking or capillary member 122 defining a flow section 120 and a second wicking or capillary member 123 defining a second flow section 121. The flow sections 120, 121 are in fluid communication with the storage chamber 11 in fluid communication with one another. In one embodiment, the flow section 120 may be connected directly to the flow section 121 as shown. In another embodiment, an intermediate flow conduit (not shown) is provided between flow sections 120 and 121 (not shown).

Each wicking or capillary member 122, 123 is formed of a wicking material as further described, with different fluid flow rates or throughput through each wicking member by capillary or wicking action. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the wicking member 122 forming the flow section 120 has a first fluid flow rate R1, and the wicking member 123 forming the flow section 121 has the first fluid < RTI ID = And has a second fluid flow rate R2 that is different from the flow rate. In this exemplary embodiment, the fluid flow rate R1 is preferably lower / slower than the fluid flow rate R2 (illustrated by the flow arrows in FIG. 14).

Continuing with reference to FIG. 14, the flow section 120 of one embodiment quickly or rapidly transfers fluid capacity stored therein within a short period of time through a capillary or wicking action to the section 120, . In certain embodiments, the flow section 121 has a predefined dosage of fluid and can completely empty its volume depending on the operation by the user to administer the set dose.

In contrast, the flow section 120, which is preferably manufactured at a slow or low flow rate relative to the flow section 121, gradually replenishes the fluid in section 121 through a capillary or wicking action. For example, in a particular exemplary embodiment, with non-limiting reference, this occurs depending on the oral administration agent in the fluid being administered to the user and the dosage limit associated with the oral administration agent, ranging from a few minutes to about 1-2 hours, Or more. Preferably, the flow section 120 is fabricated so that fluid replenishment in the flow section 121 during use (i.e., while the section 121 is empty) does not substantially occur at the same time. Thus, preferably, the time during which the contents of the section 121 are fully extruded and distributed to the user, and the time during which the section 121 is fully replenished with a fresh charge of the fluid 13, . In certain embodiments, this delay time may be from a few minutes to an hour or more. This operates to discharge the maximum pre-defined dose of oral care agent to the user from the fluid filling already stored in the flow section 121 prior to use and before being ready for discharge to the user.

In a particular embodiment, the flow section 120 is additionally fabricated to have a volume of fluid storage volume greater than the flow section 121, which serves as the fluid administration section of the channel 14. [ In one embodiment, because the flow section 120 has a slower flow rate and hence a fill factor than the section 121, the section 121 may be sufficiently recharged the section 120 preferably has a storage volume that is greater than the section 121 so that the fluid is sufficient to be readily available for recharging. Thus, in a particular embodiment, the flow section 120 has a longer axial length and / or a larger cross-section than the section 121. The channel 14 and flow sections 120 and 121 may additionally have any suitable cross-sectional shape such as a circular or segment / portion, an egg / oval or segment / portions thereof, and a polygon, You can. Each flow section 120, 121 may additionally have a cross-sectional shape that is different from the other flow sections. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to any particular cross-sectional shape, dimension, or length of the wick or channel 14 that is subject to particular use and the housing used.

14, the flow section 14 includes a conventional applicator 130 and an applicator 130 for administering fluid containing the oral care agent directly to the user through surface contact with the applicator. Fluid flows through the same outlet. The surface contact activates the flow of fluid 13 by capillary action through the channel 14 from the reservoir 11 and stimulates it and finally exits out of the applicator 130 to the intended target exit surface. In certain embodiments, the discharge surface is a tooth or tissue surface of the user's oral cavity. In certain embodiments, the applicator 130 may be a conventional nib that is formed of any suitable porous fluid discharge material as is known to those skilled in the art, as described herein. In another embodiment, the flow section 121 discharges its fluid content through a suitable outlet of any other type, such as the fluid outlet 15 described above with reference to Figures 1-13, and in a particular embodiment, 100) or other dispensing device. Other suitable fluid outlets used in connection with flow sections 120 and 121 and channel 14 may be included in the tongue cleaner as described herein at other locations relative to Figs. In yet another embodiment, a separate applicator or outlet structure may be omitted entirely, and the flow section 121 may be adapted to dispense a fluid dose directly to the user.

The multistage wicking structure of the above example of capillary device 100 and channel 14 with flow sections 120 and 121 preferably has the ability to deliver a predefined dose of fluid 13 with oral care agent to the user . This provides an intermittent flow mechanism and significant fluid flow control in contrast to continuous flow capillary and wicking systems when the user needs to regulate a particular dose of oral care agent within a given processing time.

The wicking or capillary members 122, 123 forming the fluid flow sections 120, 121 can each be made of any suitable wicking material having fluid capillary and wicking action characteristics as described herein above at other locations. Thus, by various means including wicking material selection and / or the physical or structural design of the wicking members 122, 123 using the materials and techniques described herein above with reference to Figures 1 to 13, , 121), respectively. These include, but are not limited to, forming flow sections 120 and 121 that include different porosities (e.g., various foam or fiber materials) and / or chemical compositions (e.g., chemically modified silica) And the difference of the wicking material for. This provides a particular capillary action or wicking characteristic / characteristic to each wicking member 122, 123 that corresponds to the desired flow rate.

Thus, the ratio and amount of fluid 13 discharged or conveyed from one flow section to the other flow section may be controlled using appropriate wicking materials having different capillary properties for each flow section 120, 121 of the multi-stage discharge system can do. Some examples of suitable wicking materials include polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, cellulose, wool, polyester, collagen, nylon, and mixtures thereof. The polymer void volume, porosity, pore size, density, size and shape can all be matched to provide the required fluid discharge or flow characteristics from one flow section 120 to another section 121. The wicking material can also be treated as a food grade surfactant that changes the hydrophobicity and / or hydrophilicity of those that help to control the rate of fluid release / flow and to supplement from one flow section to the other flow section.

Alternatively, a flow restrictor 170 may be provided between a wicking member such as a non-directional or bi-directional flow gate or valve, a porous thin film, a perforated partition plate, or a diaphragm, as schematically shown in FIG. 14, The flow is controlled between the winking members 122, 123. The flow restrictor 170 may be in fluid communication between the flow section 120 and the storage chamber 11, between the flow sections 120 and 121, and / or between the flow section 121 and the applicator (if provided) ). In a particular embodiment, the flow restrictor is designed to allow and / or allow fluid 13 to pass therethrough when a predetermined predetermined critical pressure difference or flow is obtained. This has the advantage of releasing the larger capacity more quickly and reducing the back flow of liquid into the storage chamber.

In a particular embodiment, the wicking material used for the channel 14 may include one continuous strip of material having different physical and chemical properties along the length of the core that has a different capillary action to define the flow sections 120, to be. In another embodiment, each flow section 120,121 is a separate part and a module, the design of which is such that each flow section of material having different physical and / or chemical properties and hence different capillary action, Or any other suitable means used in the art, such as adhesive, adhesive, or other means. In a particular embodiment, the flow section 121 may be plugged or snapped toward section 120 and vice versa (through a reduced cross section stretch of each flow section), or the housing or flow section Fit together with another support structure that maintains axial pressure between the two opposing abutting ends of the first and second plates 120, 121.

Using the above-described principles of a multistage wicking or capillary system, a particular embodiment of the channel 14 can be designed to allow the designer to tailor the flow rate of the fluid through the various portions of the capillary channel and the release of the oral care agent to the user. Or more flow sections.

The wicking system may also be designed using the materials, structures, and the same design principles described herein to design each "onion" layer or tube in the form of concentric tubular and onion layers having different fluid ejection characteristics . This embodiment of the wicking system is formed as a combination of two or more concentric rings of wicking material (similar to a combination of tree trunks). In certain embodiments, rings of different layers can be extruded from other types of wicking material that produce various wicking characteristics. The various wicks drain the specific fluid faster and the specific fluid more slowly depending on the density, the selected material composition, or the layer thickness. One exemplary embodiment of such a multilayer wicking system is shown in FIG.

19 is a cross-sectional view of a capillary channel 200 including a combination of concentric wicking or capillary members having other wicking features or capillary action. The capillary channel 200 includes an innermost first wicking or capillary member 201 as shown, a second wicking or capillary member 202 in contact with and circumferentially adjacent to the member 201, And a third wicking or capillary member (203) that is in contact with and circumferentially adjacent to the member (202). In one embodiment, the capillary channel 200 is fluidly connected directly or indirectly to a reservoir, such as the reservoir 113 shown in Figures 14-16 or the reservoir 13 shown in Figures 4-7 . Each wicking or capillary member 201-203 is made and / or formed with a wicking material as further described herein, with a different fluid flow rate or throughput through each wicking member by capillary or wicking action . Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the wicking member 201 has a first fluid flow rate R1, the wicking member 202 has a second fluid flow rate R2, And a flow rate R3. At least two flow rates (R1-R3) in the preferred embodiment and all three flow rates (R1-R3) in the other embodiments are different for control and setting of the intended flow rate. Other embodiments may have wicking members that are more or less concentrically disposed.

Additional embodiments of a multistage capillary or wicking fluid delivery system including at least one flow restrictor between adjacent wicking or capillary members of channel 14 are described. 15, the flow restrictor 150 is formed by physically reducing the contact surface area or the cross-sectional flow area between adjacent fluid flow sections of the channel 14 so that the fluid between each section Essentially reducing the rate of flow. Figure 15 shows a single integrated wicking or capillary member 163 that defines three separate flow sections 160,161 and 162 with a flow restrictor 150 formed or disposed between each section. 14) according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, in other embodiments, more or less flow sections and / or flow restrictors may be provided.

Referring to Fig. 15, the flow restrictor 150 is formed as a notched portion of a capillary channel or wick. The notched portion of flow restrictor 150 generally extends partially through wicking member 163 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis LA of the capillary channel and thus extends between flow segments 160, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 164 < / RTI > The flow restrictor 150 on either side of the central flow section 161 is positioned between the section 161 and both sides of the central flow section 161, Thereby reducing the flow rate between the transverse flow sections 160, 162. Accordingly, it is preferred that the flow restrictor 150 has a smaller cross-sectional flow area than the adjacent flow sections 160, 161, 162 of the wicking member 163. In one embodiment, the section 160 is in fluid communication with a reservoir 11 that contains a fluid 13 containing an oral care agent. Fluid 13 is discharged through wicking member 163 by wicking or capillary action. In another embodiment, the optional flow sections 160, 161 and / or 162 are in fluid communication with the fluid storage chamber 11 in accordance with the intended design.

Continuing with reference to Fig. 15, the principle of operation is that the usable fluid 13 held in the flow section 162 is drained very quickly and depleted during the application process, but the flow restriction between these two flow sections Is supplemented with a slow flow rate from the adjacent flow section (161) due to the presence of the device (150). The fluid is slowly wicked in a direction toward one flow section (e.g., section 161) due to flow restrictor 150 and then wicked or flowed into the next downstream section (e.g., section 162) will be. Thus, the impedance of the flow through the series of arrangements shown as having one or more flow restrictors and their respective downstream flow sections thereby serves to regulate the fluid 13 that is ultimately supplied to the user during application. The more flow restrictors 150 upstream, such as sequentially provided notches or other suitable flow restrictors, the longer the replenishment time that the flow section 163 ultimately takes.

16 is an illustration of another embodiment of a channel 14 having a flow restrictor 150 in the form of a reduced contact flow surface area between flow sections 160, In this embodiment, the flow segments 160,161 are separate, integral structures, each defined by separate wicking members 163,165 that are mated or otherwise connected together to form a continuous flow path. The abutting portions of the wicking members 163 and 165 define a connecting bridge 164 that allows the flow from one flow section 160 to the other flow section 161 to pass. In one embodiment, the flow section 160 is fluidly connected to the fluid storage chamber 11 as shown. Flow section 161 is fluidly connected to a fluid outlet, which in certain embodiments is a conventional applicator 130, or is fluidly connected to another suitable outlet as described for Figs.

Various other methods of forming a flow restrictor 150 that limits the flow rate between adjacent other flow intervals, as described herein, may be applied to a non-limiting substrate, such as a flow path cross- Contacting at least a portion of the end portion of the wick or capillary member with respect to the rigid, preferably non-pore, surface to reduce the thickness of the wick or capillary member; Thermally fusing or applying a non-permeable sealant to at least a portion of the cross-sectional end portion of the flow section to seal at least a portion of the pores; Cutting various features or other regions from channel 14 or wick; Providing a very narrowly formed flow section in a small cross-sectional flow path cross-sectional area between flow sections; And inserting the partition wall between adjacent flow sections having a penetration or formed of a wicking material having a lower throughput than adjacent flow sections.

The above-described capillary apparatus 100 having wicking or capillary members of the capillary channel 14 shown in Figs. 14-16 is similar to the capillary apparatus 100 shown in Figs. 4-7, May be included in other suitable housings. The capillary apparatus 100 in certain embodiments does not need to be included in an oral care mechanism such as the toothbrush shown in FIG. Thus, the capillary device 100 can be used in a pen-type applicator of a particular embodiment used to apply a fluid comprising an oral care agent as described herein elsewhere. In another embodiment, the capillary device 100 can be placed in any suitable housing used for applications not related to oral care at all. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the user only for oral administration purpose.

The invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, and the described embodiments and examples are illustrative only and do not limit the scope of the invention. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and these aspects and modifications are defined by the appended claims.

Claims (9)

A fluid dispensing toothbrush, said toothbrush comprising:
A head having a plurality of tooth cleaning elements;
A storage member for storing the fluid;
At least one fluid outlet for distributing the fluid and having a predetermined shape and disposed in the head;
A channel for fluidly connecting the storage member to the outlet;
A storage cap having a sealing socket formed substantially conforming to the shape of the fluid outlet and removably attachable to the head of the toothbrush;
The storage cap further comprises an open bottom through which the plurality of tooth cleaning elements protrude when the cap is attached to the toothbrush head,
Wherein when the storage cap is attached to the toothbrush head, the socket is operative to at least partially seal the fluid outlet to minimize evaporation loss of the fluid. 2. The fluid dispensing toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the reservoir cap comprises means for releasably securing the cap to the toothbrush head. 3. The fluid dispensing toothbrush of claim 2, wherein the means for securing comprises a hook disposed at a distal end of the reservoir cap in engagement with a complementary cut-out formed in the distal end of the toothbrush head. 7. The toothbrush of claim 1 wherein the means for securing further comprises a pair of laterally spaced apart latching tabs disposed in a proximal portion of the storage cap, the latching tab comprising a pair of complementary features And is adapted to be engaged and disengaged with the cut-out portion. 2. The fluid dispensing toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the sealing socket has a channel shape that is elongated in the axial direction. 2. The fluid dispensing toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the storage cap comprises a longitudinally extending body and the sealing socket is disposed in the longitudinally extending body. delete The fluid dispensing toothbrush of claim 1, further comprising a handle including a transparent portion. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the channel is formed of a wicking material.

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